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Plessy v. Ferguson
This trial upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation laws for public facilities as long as they were "equal". This doctrine is known as 'separate but equal'. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This landmark Supreme Court case declared that racial segregation in schools was unconstitutional. They helped establish the fact that "separate-but-equal", in fact, was not equal at all. -
Sputnik
Education experts thought that the United States was due for an overhaul as the Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik. This satellite was quite simple compared to the ones to follow, however the USA thought there needed to be reforms in science and engineering education. This was because they wanted to regain technological ground. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
President Lyndon B. Johnson brought education in the forefront of the national assault on poverty and was committed to equal access to equality education. This act funds primary and secondary education, with an emphasis on high standards and accountability. -
No Child Left Behind Act
This is the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. They require states to develop assessments in basic skills. This act affects what students are taught, the tests they take, the training of the teachers, and the way money is spend in education.
